Kraft was on hand at Gillette Stadium for the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards. The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation handed out awards to one grand-prize winner, 10 second-prize winners and 15 third-prize winners “who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism.” The grand-prize winner received $25,000 to go toward the non-profit organization for which he volunteers, the second-prize winners received $10,000 and the third-prize winners received $5,000.

Kraft was asked after the luncheon, which Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski also attended, about the amicus brief the Patriots filed last week in support of their quarterback and the NFL Players Association against the NFL, but the team owner politely declined comment.

“I appreciate you asking that question, and I respect it, but today we’re celebrating volunteerism,” Kraft said. “We always hold this right before the start of the season. We’re excited football is back, seeing these guys work out. I’m going to try to keep all of our discussions today on a high plane in the spirit of what this day is about.”

Kraft did briefly discuss his thoughts on the 2016 Patriots, who added veterans Terrance Knighton, Martellus Bennett, Chris Hogan, Chris Long and Shea McClellin over the offseason.

“Things working out to me means we make the playoffs,” Kraft said. “And then hopefully we take the next step to do what we all would like to see happen here. I think we have a great — when you go through the locker room, you get a feel of what’s going on. I think the new people that have come in are pretty special. There’s a great chemistry in the locker room. People have worked very hard in the offseason training program. We’re very excited to have football back. I can’t wait for the season to start.”